Devin Neal is one of the most productive running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft, but is yet to hear his name get called heading into Day 3.
The Kansas RB racked up three consecutive 1,000 rushing yard seasons before declaring for the draft, and was widely projected to be drafted inside the first three rounds.
What Caused Devin Neal To Fall Into Day 3 of 2025 NFL Draft?
Neal joined the Jayhawks in the 2021 recruiting class as a four-star prospect and eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his final three seasons, scoring at least eight rushing touchdowns in every season, including 16 touchdowns in each of his final two years.
The 21-year-old gained attention in the final home game of his collegiate career with a monster performance on national television to spoil the Colorado Buffaloes’ College Football Playoff chances. He finished with 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries, adding 80 receiving yards and one touchdown on four receptions.
So, what caused such a valuable prospect to fall into Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft?
One reason teams could have avoided him so far is that he is entering the NFL with some tread on his tires (760 touches in four years). However, RB1 Ashton Jeanty has had more touches than him in college, and the biggest factor behind his slide into Day 3 is his lack of significant play strength, which limits his ceiling in the NFL.
“A lack of significant play strength limits Neal a bit, making it tougher to project him as a consistent tackle-breaker in the pros. He’s hardly the battering ram type that teams will go to in goal-line situations. Though he has gotten better as a receiver, he can still fall victim to drops. That, along with his struggles in pass protection, hurts his value on passing downs,” wrote PFSN analyst Jacob Infante.
He’s also prone to being indecisive in the backfield, leading to open running lanes closing up on him. While Neal has been an impressive runner in college, he has been below average through the air and doesn’t impress much with his hands as a receiver.
All in all, before entering the draft, he had recorded 4,343 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns on 760 carries. Neal added 711 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 77 receptions, setting school records for both rushing yards and touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Neal should find plenty of suitors due to his high production on Day 3. He projects best as a change-of-pace back at the next level who can spell a stronger starter with his athleticism and creativity.